about THE LAW OFFICE OF
MEET THE TEAM
NEAL LINNARTZ
Roy “Neal” Linnartz was born and raised in New Braunfels, Texas. He graduated from Canyon High School, received his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. He enjoys practicing law and mediating cases to help resolve disputes: hillcountrymediation.com. Neal enjoys brewing beer and serving his community in the following roles:
- Comal County Bar Association, Treasurer (2013/2014), President (2014/2015)
- College of The State Bar of Texas 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
- New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation, Past President
- Central Texas Dispute Resolution Center, Inc., Board Secretary & Family Law Mediator
- Wurstfest, Inc., Shareholder, Vice Chair of Gates Committee 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022
- New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Blue Coat Life Member, Past Chair of Transportation Committee 2017 & 2108
- Leadership New Braunfels class of 2013
- Braunfels Foundation Trust, Baron
- Mediator
CORY SELLS
Steven “Cory” Sells has practiced law in Texas since 2010. Cory’s family spreads across the Texas Hill Country. His practice has travelled all over Texas, from McAllen, Texas representing Banks and Landowners, to Houston, Texas and now back home to New Braunfels to stay. He’s proud to be a part of the great team at the Law Offices of Linnartz Law.
Real property and commercial law go hand-in-hand among those who make a living from the land. This is why Cory is fond of saying he often represents “business owners that own land and land-owners who own businesses.” He has represented clients in the courtroom, the appeals court, the boardroom and at mediation. His clients have included a real estate investment company with over 1200 rental units across 7 states, commercial real estate brokerage firms, fabricators, landlords, banks, general and sub-contractors, homeowners, home flippers, and home-owners.
Cory’s practice also includes assisting families to navigate the court system after a loved one passes away. Probate law, the processing of inheritance, wills and the like, can be very confusing time for clients. Cory comes from a large family and understand the pain that comes from the loss, and that family dynamics can require finesse.
JOYCE COMPTON
Joyce Compton was born and raised in Austin, Texas, but has lived in New Braunfels for nearly 20 years. She attended Texas State University, receiving her degree in Mass Communication – Advertising. In her spare time, Joyce can be found volunteering for the New Braunfels Parks Foundation, of which she’s currently the President, or spending time with her twin boys. You can reach Joyce at joyce@linnartzlaw.com for all consultations and scheduling purposes.
Karmen Binka
Karmen Binka grew up as a military brat, residing in various locations. Her family spent several years living at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from Randolph High School and considers Randolph AFB to be her “hometown”. Karmen completed her undergraduate degree in Accounting at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and received her law degree from Texas Tech School of Law. Karmen has also earned her mediation certificate.
Karmen likes to travel, to research genealogy, and to volunteer for her church. She enjoys spending time with her husband, her college-age kids, and the family’s two dogs.
Hope
Hope was adopted from the New Braunfels Humane Society in 2012. She loves greeting clients, belly rubs, and chewing on rawhide.
Essie
Essie was adopted from the New Braunfels Humane Society in 2024. She enjoys taking walks and chasing balls when she isn’t napping at the office.
Gigi Oglesby
GeorgAnn “Gigi” Oglesby
Gigi and her husband of 24 years, Stephen, always dreamed of returning to the Hill Country after their time at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). They returned to the New Braunfels area with their three children and dogs to enjoy the river, fresh air, and small-town lifestyle.
Gigi Oglesby, one of Houston’s outstanding young lawyers, has been recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Monthly Magazine’s Super Lawyer edition for three consecutive years. Her courtroom representation has earned her repeated recognition as a Top Young Professional and Top Lawyer for the People by H Magazine. Gigi was admitted to the State Bar of Texas and the United States District Court, Southern District, in 2004.
She is a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, the College of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, the Fort Bend County Bar Association, and the Comal County Bar Association.
Gigi graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Juris Doctorate in 2003 from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She also holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and History from Texas State University.
Coming from a family of experienced lawyers, Gigi gained valuable experience during her internship with the Harris County District Attorney’s office. Her first position as a trial lawyer was with Hedlesten & Oglesby, LLP. In 2008, she opened her own practice, The Oglesby Law Firm, PLLC, where she practiced law for 20 years. Gigi primarily focused on Family Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution, handling many complex, high-asset family law matters. Known as a tenacious and compassionate advocate for her clients, Gigi has significant experience in negotiating, mediating, and litigating. She also has expertise in estate planning, asset protection, wills and trusts, and corporate and business formation.
Gigi is active in the New Braunfels community, serving on the Board of The Isabella Foundation, as President of the New Braunfels Mid Texas Symphony Guild, and as a member of First Protestant Church.
FAQS
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October 7, 2024
Lesson: Check beneficiary/POD designations
Lesson: Check beneficiary/POD designations Story: Rick’s wife is deceased, and he has two children, Jack & Jill. Jack always said he would take care of his dad, Rick, as he aged so Rick had a Will prepared leaving a disproportionate share of his estate to Jack and made Jack his Executor and Power of Attorney. …
Continue reading “Lesson: Check beneficiary/POD designations”
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August 27, 2024
What is the difference between a Lady Bird Deed and a Transfer on Death Deed?
What is the difference between a Lady Bird Deed and a Transfer on Death Deed? Lady Bird Deeds (or more formally: Enhanced Life Estate Deeds), have been used historically to transfer real property upon death. More recently, the statutory creation of a Transfer on Death Deed (or TODD) offers another way to transfer real property …
Continue reading “What is the difference between a Lady Bird Deed and a Transfer on Death Deed?”
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August 2, 2024
I have a fairly simple estate, can I plan to avoid probate?
Probate is typically not difficult or expensive if you have a well-designed estate plan. However, if you do not have a complex estate, you may desire to plan for probate avoidance. Enhanced Life Estate Deeds (Lady Bird Deeds) or Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs) can be used to pass real property outside of the probate …
Continue reading “I have a fairly simple estate, can I plan to avoid probate?”